SMITH'S BEGINS TENDER OFFER FOR $575 MILLION IN DEBENTURES

SALT LAKE CITY -- Smith's Food & Drug Centers here said it has commenced a cash tender offer for its outstanding $575 million aggregate principal amount of 11 1/4% senior subordinated notes due 2007. g of the merger, the company said.The merger is anticipated to be consummated on or about Sept. 8, subject to certain conditions, but is not contingent upon the closing of the tender offer. The tender

g of the merger, the company said.

The merger is anticipated to be consummated on or about Sept. 8, subject to certain conditions, but is not contingent upon the closing of the tender offer. The tender offer is scheduled to expire at the close of business Sept. 8, unless ext